Author: Landis
When to file, when to extend: A practical guide to extensions for busy business owners
For many business owners, tax deadlines arrive at the worst possible time, right in the middle of managing employees, serving customers, and keeping cash flowing. When the deadline rolls around, it’s common to wonder, “Should I file now, or should I extend?”
Top 7 DIY filing mistakes accountants see every year (and how to avoid them)
Every year, accountants see the same do-it-yourself mistakes that lead to missed deductions, IRS notices, penalties, or even audits. While DIY filing works well in straightforward situations, understanding where things commonly go wrong can help you avoid costly surprises.
Understanding Trump Accounts: what parents need to know about the new child-focused IRA
Trump Accounts are a new type of tax-advantaged retirement account for children, created under 2025 legislation and clarified by recent IRS guidance. While contributions can’t begin until mid-2026, families can begin preparing now. This article explains what is currently known, what remains uncertain, and how Trump Accounts compare to other common savings tools like Roth IRAs and 529 plans.
The mega backdoor Roth: a straightforward strategy for high earners locked out of Roth IRAs
For high-income professionals locked out of traditional Roth contributions, mega Roth conversions offer a powerful alternative. By contributing after-tax dollars to fill unused space under the $72,000 annual 401(k) limit and immediately converting them to Roth, eligible savers can funnel tens of thousands annually into tax-free growth.
Building a financial foundation for your child: strategic moves for parents
For many parents, providing financial security for their children is a top priority. But building that security involves more than funding college or opening a savings account. The real goal isn’t just to transfer wealth – it’s to prepare the next generation to manage, grow, and protect it.
A smart gifting strategy: why the annual gift tax exclusion matters more than you think
When we talk about gifting as part of a tax strategy, many people assume it’s something only the ultra-wealthy need to worry about. But gifting is actually one of the simplest and most powerful financial planning tools available – and a thoughtful gifting strategy can make a meaningful difference for your family, both now and in the long run.
Moving Forward With Confidence
From helping parents understand new savings tools for children to exploring tax-smart gifting and retirement strategies, we’re covering topics that can make a meaningful difference over time. Whether you’re laying a financial foundation for the next generation or fine-tuning your own plans, these insights are designed to help you move forward with purpose and confidence.
Practical strategies for managing a sudden financial gain
Are you equipped to handle a sudden financial gain? Learn four steps you can take to navigate tax planning and potential tax burdens associated with a financial windfall.
The rise of concierge medicine: is it worth the premium?
Concierge medicine offers a more personalized healthcare experience with longer visits, faster access, and fewer patients per doctor, but it comes at a premium. For busy professionals and families, the real question is whether it aligns with your health goals and lifestyle. Here’s what to consider before making the switch.
IRS grants employers penalty relief for 2025 tip and overtime reporting
The IRS is offering penalty relief for 2025 as employers struggle to comply with new reporting requirements for tips and overtime pay under the OBBBA. While businesses won’t face penalties this year for failing to separately report qualified tips, overtime compensation, and occupation codes, this transition period is explicitly temporary—and smart employers will use it to prepare for full compliance in 2026.
Buying back your time: everyday outsourcing
Smart outsourcing isn’t about luxury – it’s strategically identifying tasks that drain mental bandwidth without delivering value, from meal prep and household management to admin work and scheduling. The key is starting small with fractional support, establishing clear systems, and focusing delegation on areas where you procrastinate or that create decision fatigue. By protecting what only you can do and handling the rest, you create more space for higher-impact work and reduce daily friction.
It’s time! What to prepare for tax year 2025 filing
Whether you’re an individual taxpayer or business owner, preparing early for tax time can reduce delays, minimize errors, and help your tax pros do their best work on your behalf. Our team has put together a practical guide to get you started on the right foot this tax season, including key deadlines, commonly required documents, and planning considerations.
New year, new rules: What to know about IRS changes taking effect this month
The IRS and Congress have enacted tax law changes and regulatory updates that take effect this month and will impact individual taxpayers, employers, retirement plan sponsors, and businesses of all sizes. From tax filing to retirement planning, here are a few key things you should know about what’s new this year.
Entering the New Year
It’s a new year, and we have new information for you to kick off 2026! With practical strategies for managing sudden financial gain and updates about penalty relief for 2025 tips and overtime reporting to the rise of concierge medicine and outsourcing to buy back your time, we’ve gathered some great news for you to begin this year’s journey.
Structuring the workday: lessons from ultra-productive CEOs
Ultra-productive CEOs structure their days to protect focus, reduce decision fatigue, and create time for what matters most. Their routines aren’t one-size-fits-all, but they do reveal patterns worth borrowing. A small shift in your day might lead to a big difference in how you lead.
From holiday rush to year-round growth: turn seasonal shoppers into loyal customers
The holiday season offers more than a revenue spike for business owners; it’s a unique window to build lasting customer relationships. Let’s explore how to align your messaging with the shopper mindset, position your offers, leverage multi-channel reach, and convert one-time buyers into loyal customers while keeping your operations strong.
Hiring your child: tax perks and potential pitfalls for families in business
Hiring your child in your business can offer powerful tax advantages while teaching financial responsibility and supporting long-term wealth planning. Learn how to structure it properly, avoid IRS pitfalls, and make the most of this overlooked family strategy.
Raising financially savvy kids
Financial literacy starts early, and families that treat money as a life skill, not a taboo topic, often raise more confident, capable decision-makers. From introducing real responsibility to modeling values-based spending, here’s how parents are helping their kids build lasting financial judgment.
New Year’s Resolutions for Small Business Owners
Thoughtful financial resolutions can help businesses improve cash flow, boost profitability, and weather unexpected headwinds. Here are some New Year’s financial resolutions to guide small business owners into 2026 with confidence.
Year-End Tax Planning: Last-Minute Tactics for Cash-Based Businesses
For small businesses using cash-based accounting, the next few weeks present valuable opportunities to manage taxable income and reduce 2025 tax liability.
Year-End Cheer
Year-end is near, and this issue of SmartTips is our gift to business owners. With tips on how to turn seasonal shoppers into loyal customers and lessons for structuring your workday to raising financially savvy kids and the tax perks of hiring your child, we’ve gathered some great information for you and tied it up with a bow.
The Healing Power of Gratitude: How a Thankful Heart Boosts Your Health
This is the time of year when our thoughts collectively turn to thanksgiving (the holiday and the state of mind). But maintaining an attitude of gratitude should be a year-round habit.
Starting a Business in 2026: Big Ideas in Uncertain Times
Starting a business isn’t for the faint of heart. Entrepreneurs are, by definition, bold. If you’re on the verge of starting your own enterprise in 2026, count yourself among the very bold, indeed.
The Art of Hygge: Finding Comfort and Joy in Everyday Moments
When winter days grow short and the world feels a little too fast, the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced “HYOO-gah”) offers a gentle reminder: Happiness often hides in simplicity.
